Updating the Abode

My husband is such a funny guy. Apparently he recalls a conversation we had along the lines of "We're not going to do anything to this house for a year." I truly don't recall saying that (I think it was something more like, "We won't start any major renovations for at least a year") but he loves me and puts up with me! So the first picture is of my laundry hallway - complete with the color sample and the pale blue vinyl paneling ripped down. I'm planning to paint this week, and then we'll put up beadboard on the lower half of the wall on Friday (he has the day off). I cannot wait to see this completed, and it's possible that it might even make me enjoy doing the laundry just a bit :)

The second pic is of our entryway. You'll note the dreaded orangey half is still present - I'm hoping to tackle that in 2 weeks, but we'll see. In the meantime, I'm much happier with the feeling it conveys. This picture is taken from the meant-to-be-a-formal-dining-room, and the front door is to the left of the bench. It's a strange area - too wide to be left plain, but too narrow to handle much furniture. I found this teak bench online for a song, and it works for now (plus will be fabulous on the back patio if I ever find something better). I purchased the hook/shelf/picture frame thing from Hobby Lobby, but unfortunately they only had it in black. A can of spray paint later (plus some B&W prints from Wal-Mart) and the hall actually has some personality.

Anyway, my parents are coming down here for Thanksgiving and I really want to get a least a few of these minor make-overs down before that. And hey, I might even put them to work while they're here :)